Crockpot Cheesy Sausage and Rice Skillet

This easy, dump-and-go meal combines savory smoked sausage slices, fluffy rice, diced bell peppers, and onions, all smothered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. It is a hearty one-pot dish that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 lb smoked sausage (or kielbasa), sliced into rounds

• 2 cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)

• 1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced

• 1 small white onion, finely diced

• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup (or cheddar cheese soup)

• 2 cups chicken broth

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp paprika

• Salt and black pepper to taste

Preparation

1. Layer the Base: Add the uncooked white rice, diced red bell peppers, and diced onions to the bottom of the crockpot.

2. Season and Mix: Pour in the chicken broth and cream of chicken soup. Add the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the rice is evenly submerged.

3. Add the Sausage: Empty the sliced smoked sausage rounds from your prep bag evenly over the top of the rice mixture.

4. First Cheese Layer: Sprinkle about half a cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top, just like in the picture.

5. Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 3 to 4 hours (or High for 2 hours) until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.

6. Melt and Serve: Stir the mixture gently, top with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese, cover for another 5 minutes until completely melted, and serve hot.

Notes & Tips

• The Right Rice: Stick to standard long-grain white rice. Instant rice will turn mushy, while brown rice takes much longer to cook and may leave the sausage overcooked.

• Sausage Selection: You can use smoked turkey sausage or chicken sausage if you want a lighter, lower-fat option.

• Keep it Creamy: If the rice looks a little dry toward the end of cooking, splash in an extra quarter cup of warm chicken broth or milk before adding the final cheese layer.

Servings & Nutritional Information

• Servings: 6 servings

The values below are estimates based on standard recipe proportions.

• Calories: ~420 kcal per serving

• Carbohydrates: ~35g

• Protein: ~18g

• Fat: ~22g

• Key Benefit: This is a highly satisfying “one-pot meal,” meaning cleanup is practically non-existent. It balances protein, comforting carbs, and hidden veggies (peppers/onions) making it an excellent weekday family favorite.

Common Questions (Q/A)

• Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

  • A: It is not recommended for this specific timing. Brown rice requires significantly more liquid and double the cooking time, which will cause the veggies and sausage to overcook.

• Q: Do I need to brown the sausage before adding it?

  • A: No, smoked sausage is already fully cooked. Throwing it straight into the crockpot allows its savory juices to seep directly into the rice as it cooks. However, if you prefer a bit of a crisp edge, you can quickly sear them in a pan first.

• : Can I freeze this meal?

  • A: Yes! You can prep the uncooked sliced sausage, peppers, onions, and spices together in a Ziploc bag and freeze it. When ready to cook, thaw it, dump it in the crockpot with the fresh rice, broth, and soup, and cook as directed.